Friday, January 29, 2016

Caffeine Kick: Arnold's Tea

Happy Friday!!

I'm back in the Burgh and with that comes finding the best cup of coffee in the city! Luckily, I think I've already found it!  


Arnold's Tea is right on the main drag in Northside and it is huge!! So often local coffee shops seem to have an amazing decor but only a few spots to sit...this place somehow manages to have a super cozy feel while also having TONS of tables. The cozy feel doesn't stop at the decor. The owner behind the bar is so sweet and really accommodating with gluten-free pastries and alternatives options. 


Somehow...all of this was still out-shined by the fact that their plain drip coffee (with a bit of cream) was the best I have ever had!!! And let me tell you I have had a lot of coffee. For any Gilmore Girls fans, as I drank it I thought to myself that it would be what Luke's coffee would taste like. So delicious and addicting, haha. 

I can't wait to go back and drink 1,000 more cups of this coffee and try out their afternoon tea as well! 

Arnold's Tea
502 E Ohio Street
Pittsburgh, Pa 15212

Wednesday, January 27, 2016

Outfit of the day!!


Top: h&m
Jeans: Forever 21
Shoes: Forever 21
Socks: Primark
Phone Case: Made by Wallflower

Monday, January 25, 2016

So long, Chicago.

Today's the day...the day I leave Chicago. I'm not sure if I have ever analyzed a situation as much as this one. I have over-thought, worried, text my mom, made plans, worried that I was worrying too much, text mom again, started to get self-conscious, facetimed my nephew, smiled, relaxed, and jumped in.

Over this past week I have had a lot of random people try to give me advice or somehow explain to me what "went wrong" here in Chicago for me. After the first couple of these conversations, I have (hopefully) realized how to explain why I am moving back to Pittsburgh. I want to be excited to wake up every morning. Maybe I won't be excited for every minute of everyday but I will not accept that "being an adult" and "living in the real world" means that I just go on doing the same thing when life isn't fulfilling. I don't believe in shoulds...I only believe in following what feels right and what feels worth it. I know that may sound naive but, believe me, I know that life is tough sometimes. I love challenges and pushing myself but only when I feel it is going to make me a better/stronger/etc. person. Chicago was worth the struggle for 8 months but any more than that wouldn't be right for me. And that, my friends, is why I am moving back...TODAY! Like today, like as you are reading this post I am probably on the road somewhere in Indiana on my way back to the Burgh :)


Friday, January 22, 2016

Thursday, January 21, 2016

Good Eating: Pick Me Up Cafe

Well, hello! How is everyone's Thursday going so far?

BRUNCH! Millennials have become obsessed with it and I, being a millennial, have had my fair share of awesome brunches. However, today I want to talk about one in particular. Recently I had the pleasure of experiencing brunch at Pick Me Up Cafe :) 


To be honest, as we pulled up to the front of the restaurant, I told my friend that without her suggestion that I probably would never walk in this place. From the outside it just doesn't look like much. Like you would have no idea that they are home to the famous Pizzadillas or that they have vegan milkshakes or that they have killer coffee or that they have the friendliest servers in Chicago! 


Seriously it's amazing once you walk inside! With the brunch crowd, space was limited but we got a seat within 10 minutes and they made sure to give us a high-chair for the baby! Coffee was quickly brought to our table (always a good indication of how much I am going to like the place, hehe). We ordered and then got to admire all of the local art on the walls. I ordered the Ham Scram with a bagel and my friend got the Humboldt County (vegan). Both were delicious and we had enough for leftovers! My only complaint is that they didn't have many gluten free options but I'm sure in time they will.

This place is a must-eat if you are anywhere in the Lakeview neighborhood! Best breakfast in the area! 



Pick Me Up Cafe
3408 N Clark St
Chicago, IL 60657

Wednesday, January 20, 2016

Hope is back.


Hi, howdy, ciao, hallo, ni hao, hola! 

I'm back and freaking jazzed about it! I have been absent from this blog for many months and have missed it everyday. Now I am going to try to catch everyone up as quickly as possible on what has been going on with me (to get it out of the way):  

I moved to Chicago for a job. At first it was great. Then it wasn't so great. 4 months in and I still didn't have any new friends. I got a part time job to try to find my place in the city. 6 months in and still no new friends and work was getting worse. Even so, I pushed myself harder than ever to hit my goal at work. I found out that I am going to have a niece in the Spring. I pushed myself even harder to do well at work. And then realized that I was pushing myself towards a goal that I didn't want to achieve any longer and that I shouldn't be here if it doesn't make me happy. 

Phew...that about sums it up! Now it's time to look forward....I am moving back to Pittsburgh!


To say that I am excited for this move is an understatement...one of the many things that I have learned while living in Chicago is that I am a Pittsburgher through and through. Unfortunately, living in Chicago has also taught me to be self-conscious and worry more (habits that I intend to break). I keep having to remind myself that I am in control of my life. I am the one who gets to call the shots. I am nervous to think about other people's opinions of me coming back...but I shouldn't be. I 100% know that it is where I am meant to be and that these past months in Chicago have changed me (good and bad) into the person that I am meant to be today.